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Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong hailed Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Lesotho in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, describing it as an important step towards regaining momentum.
Speaking after the match, Troost-Ekong praised his teammates who showed resilience and focus in the game. The defender noted that while the team can still improve, this result reflects their increasing chemistry and determination to qualify for the World Cup.
Troost-Ekong, who gave Nigeria the lead with a penalty kick in the 55th minute, before substitute Jerome Adams Akor added the lead 10 minutes from the end, praised Lesotho for playing well.
“I want to start by saying Lesotho played a great match. It’s not easy to come here and win. I can understand their disappointment because they put up a good fight,” the defender said at a press conference.
“The match was not easy. I think the coach explained it better; the pressure has been on us since March, maybe since the start of qualifying.” He says.
The Al Khalood defender said that the final match of the qualifying series against Benin Republic would be a tough test, he said, but his party would be prepared because they had been training under pressure for a long time.
“We just have to focus on ourselves. We want to always do better. We have a team of people who want to do better. We have a winning mentality; we want to be in the World Cup,” added Troost-Ekong.
“The last nine months have not been easy. Now we have a chance with the match in Uyo against Benin Republic. We know we have to score some goals. We have to win the game convincingly.
“It will be a big test again, and we will be ready. We have worked under pressure for a long time. This is a final for us, and we will work very hard to achieve it. As the coach said, I am proud of the team, and we will continue to believe until the end.”
